Hamsters can indeed get sick. As small rodents, their health issues require careful observation and timely intervention from owners. Below is a summary of key information:
I. Common Health Problems
1. Respiratory Diseases
Symptoms: Sneezing, labored breathing, runny nose
Causes: Extreme temperature changes, excessive dust (e.g., low-quality bedding), or ammonia irritation (from an unclean cage)
2. Digestive Disorders
Wet Tail: Severe diarrhea accompanied by a damp tail area. It is most common in young hamsters and requires veterinary care within 48 hours.
General Diarrhea: May be caused by spoiled food or overfeeding of fruits and vegetables.
3. Skin Conditions
Fungal Infections: Circular patches of hair loss (e.g., ringworm)
Parasites: Mites can cause intense itching and thickened skin
4. Other Risks
Overgrown Teeth (provide chew toys to prevent this)
Heatstroke (cool the environment if temperatures exceed 28°C/82°F)
II. Preventive Measures
Environment Control: Maintain a constant temperature of 20-24°C (68-75°F) and thoroughly clean the cage weekly.
Diet Management: Choose professional-brand hamster food. Wash and dry fresh vegetables thoroughly before feeding.
Behavior Observation: Check daily for changes in activity level, water intake, and stool consistency.
III. Emergency Handling Principles
Isolate the sick hamster immediately.
Stop feeding fresh fruits and vegetables (especially if diarrhea occurs).
Use a heating pad to maintain the hamster’s body temperature (critical for young hamsters).
Seek veterinary care if there is no improvement within 24 hours.
Note: Hamsters’ conditions can deteriorate extremely quickly—never self-medicate. Common mistakes include giving human antibiotics (which may kill the hamster’s gut flora) or using alcohol for disinfection (which can cause poisoning).